Light-reflecting signal device



Dec. 10, 1929. E. M. CARTER 1,739,289

LIGHT REFLECTING SIGNAL DEVICE Filed April 3, 1928 Fig. 2.

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Patented Dec. 10, 1929 ESTHER M. CARTER, OF-NEWTONVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS-LIGET-REFLECTING SIGNAL DEFIOE L Application filed April 3,

My invention aims to provide means for giving visual signals, warnings,or other information by light reflection; while susceptible of widelyvarying uses, it finds particular application in use by pedestrians,bicyclists or others to give warning, to approaching vehicle-drivers, ofthe users presence upon or near a highway.

In the drawings wherein'I have shown certain illustrative embodiments ofmy invention,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying one form of myinvention, the device being in this instance in the general form of amilitary collar or abbreviated cape;

Fig. 2 is a detail section on the line 22 of Fig. 1; a

Fig. 3 is a perspective view'of a second illustrative embodiment of the"invention, in this instance in the general form of a belt or beltlikedevice; I

Fig. 4 is a section in the line 4-4: of Fig. 3;

Fig, 5 shows a further illustrative embodiment of the invention, whereinthe device is supported by or forms a part of a garment.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1 and 2,the device or safety signalling means there shown is adapted to encirclethe wearers neck. It is preferably a relatively light weight device andof a flexible nature, permitting it to be rolled or folded into acompact package for carriage in a pocket, hand bag, or otherwise, whennot required for use. The illustrative device, as "shown, comprises abase or main element 1 formed of suitable fabric or other flexiblematerial, having a lustrous or light reflecting finish or surface. Forthis purpose '1 preferably employ a metal cloth, or imi- 40 tation metalcloth commonly known as metalline, or any fabric or other. flexiblematerial which is lustrous or capable of reflecting light, andpreferably white, silver or steel in color. Said base or reflectingelement desirably is given a protective, transparent covering 2, whichmay be a flexible transparent cellulosic sheet material such as acomparatively heavy glassene or other suitable material. It ispreferably colored or tinted, in accordance with the color most 1928.Serial No. 267,068.

appropriate as a signal or warning under the circumstances with whichthe device is to be used. For useby a pedestrian or bicyclist to warn anapproaching vehicle, by reflection of the light therefrom, the colorred, as a danger u or warning, is generally em loyed. Said base andouter mem bers 1 and 2 respectively are placed flatwise against eachother and secured, as by a suitable edging or peripheral binding 3,shown at the upper on edge of the device of Figs. 1 and 2, or byhemming, as illustrated at the lower edge in said figures. The describeddevice is preferably cut or otherwise disposed in its formation so asreadily to assume a substantially as circular form, in the generalmanner'of a collar., Suitable means such as one or more buttons, orother fastener, as indicated at 4 may be provided for releasablysecuring together the two ends of, the device, to retain it in positionabout the neck or upon the shoulders of the wearer. It will beunderstood that the described safety signal orv warning deviceisparticularly for use under conditions of diminished visibility,whether at night or dur- (5 ing the day, and'will reflect back to avehicle driver light rays from the vehicles own lamps, informing thedriver of the presence of tlllie signal carrier or wearer in or near hispat In Figs. 3 and 4, I have illustrated another form of device alsoembodying my"invention. The safety signal means in this instance is of abelt-like form comprising a reflective base member or strip 5, which maybe similar 55 in character to the element 1 of Figs. 1 and 2, and atransparent outer member or strip 6 having a character similar to thatof the I element 2 of Figs. 1 and 2. Said. base and outer strips 5 and 6are secured together as by stitching, hemming, or binding at theiredges, as indicated at 7, 7. A buckle 8, or other releasable fasteningmeans is rovided to secure the device in position a out the wearersbody. s

In Fig. 5 a further embodiment of my invention is illustrated wherein areflective or base element 9 and outer transparent element 10 arecarried in superposed relation upon a garment 11 either permanently, asa portion 100 thereof, or detachably, said base and outer elements beingsecured together as by the stitching indicated at 12. As illustrated inFig. 5 the device is provided with means whereby it may be attached toand removed from the garment. said means comprising the pairs of eyeletsor the like 13. 13 through which pins 14. 14 or other fastening devicesmay be passed.

In some instances, and in connection with a device such as that of anyof the illustrative embodiments of my invention I may dispense with anouter or transparent covering element. in which case the reflective orbase element may be itself colored or tinted to afford by reflection alight signal of the desired color.

My invention is not limited to the particular embodiments thereof hereinillustrated and described by way of example. its scope being set forthin the following claims.

I claim 1. A device for affording warning to a vehicle-driver of thepresence of a pedestrian, bicyclist or other person in or near the pathof the vehicle, said means comprising a lightreflecting flexible fabricbase element, a flexible, overlying, transparent, protective, element,means securing said elements together, and means for retaining thedevice in position upon the person to reflect back to an approachingvehicle-driver light rays therefrom as a visual warning signal. I

2. A device for affording warning to a vehicle-driver of the presence ofa pedestrian, bicyclist or other person in or near the path of thevehicle, said means comprising an annular, flexible light-reflectingelement, a covering for said annular element including a coextensiveflexible, transparent, colored member, and means for securing togetherthe opposite ends of said device to retain it in position about thewearers person.

3. A device for affording warning to a vehicle-driver of the presence ofa pedestrian, bicyclist or other person in or near the path of thevehicle. said means comprising an annular, flexible light-reflectingelement of general collar-like form, a similarly formed transparent,flexible and colored member overlying and secured to said annularelement, and means to retain said device in position about thewearersneck.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

' ESTHER M. CARTER.

